It's one of the most common health concerns in the United States–type II diabetes, sometimes referred to as adult-onset diabetes, and according to the Center for Disease Control, it affects over 100 million Americans.1 However, medical professionals are remaining hopeful that the ketogenic diet may hold the secrets to reversing this dangerous trend.
Keto: the connection to an easier life for diabetics?
The ketogenic diet's functionality in controlling type II diabetes stems from its reduction of sugar consumption. Managing carbohydrate and sugar intake is already a common recommendation for patients managing type II diabetes; the ketogenic diet has been found to reduce blood glucose levels, which can lead to lower instances of spiked blood sugar. This stabilization of blood sugar content can reduce the need for insulin injections, helping make life with diabetes a little easier.
“Lower need for insulin is also useful, as lowering insulin levels can reduce insulin resistance, which can help reverse type II diabetes. Insulin is also the fat storage hormone, so reducing its level with a low-carb diet can help with weight loss,” explains Dr. Rahul Agarwal, senior consultant diabetologist working with Max-Cure Hospitals.2
The ketogenic diet and weight loss
Many people living with type II diabetes are overweight, so a high-fat diet can seem counterproductive. After all, doesn't the consumption of fat lead to weight gain? Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that eating fat does not actually make you fat; rather, the overconsumption of carbohydrates and sugar has been linked to increased weight gain thanks to spiked insulin levels.3 The ketogenic diet, which places emphasis on the consumption of healthy fats instead of carbohydrates, is often reported to leave dieters feeling more satisfied and fuller longer. This can lead to weight-loss over a sustained period of time…an important component when it comes to controlling insulin levels and fighting against diabetes.
NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
The content on this website should not be taken as medical advice and you should ALWAYS consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. We provide nutritional data for our recipes as a courtesy to our readers. We use Total Keto Diet app software to calculate the nutrition and we remove fiber and sugar alcohols, like erythritol, from the total carbohydrate count to get to the net carb count, as they do not affect your blood glucose levels. You should independently calculate nutritional information on your own and not rely on our data. The website or content herein is not intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. This website shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on the Website or actions you take as a result. Any action you take is strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD is an aesthetic medicine specialist whose work focuses on patients who are treated for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other weight-related issues through nutritional analysis, keto diet programs, and supporting medications.
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